Great acting, great direction, great story

Rating: 10/10 (25 July 2005)

I really liked this film. First a comment on the acting: Ewen McGregor - SO nice to see he won't get type-cast, since he does many different films. He's a great actor and shows at least 2 sides of his wide spectrum of character. He didn't seem to have one awkward acting moment in this movie. He helped make it great.
Scarlett Johansen - She has really blossomed and bloomed (or whatever) into a beautiful and talented and enjoyable actress with more depth than you might, at first, imagine. She was able to aptly harness the traits of someone who's both naive and savvy at the same time. Plus she's gorgeous and her facial expressions say it all.
Steve Buscemi - Yet another fine performance, Steve! You never disappoint.
Djimon Hounsou - Stepping out of his 'normal' roles nicely. First began to see it in Constantine and it's nice to see him in a role that doesn't necessarily HAVE to call for an African. He's a great talented actor and well deserves this role variation. He's more than paid his dues to Hollywood. Not that he shouldn't do roles that call for a strong 'guide'-type role in Africa, as well.
Sean Bean - Did a great job in this film too. Like Hounsou, he seems to do a fine job in every movie he's in. It'd be nice to see him do a different type of character. Nonetheless, was perfect for the role he played in this movie.
Direction: The scenes and camera angles shot for a particular emotion was covered very professionally. The acting talent was expertly enhanced by really good direction in this film. I have scenes that I didn't like in this film (albeit some were very unbelievable, but in an enjoyable way).
SPOILERS!!!! The scene falling from that building, riding a large sign (letter 'R') was very far-fetched by very thrilling. However, the "Jesus really loves you!" comment was extremely hilarious.
I also loved the scene where Scarlett Johansen was watching her 'sponsor' on that commercial for Calvin Klein and watching 'herself' kissing someone, having never experienced that for herself. Then the way she touched her own lips. It was a very special moment in that film.